Detentions of Panama-flagged ships in China concerning, Rubio says

CK Hutchison, which operated the ports for nearly 30 years, has rejected the court ruling, accused Panamanian authorities of unlawfully seizing property, and launched an international arbitration case against the country, claiming damages of more than $2 billion.

"This sovereign ruling upheld transparency, the rule of law, and held private operators accountable to the public interest," Rubio said.

The US, "stands firmly," with Panama and looks forward to expanding economic and security cooperation, he said.

The FMC had said China's detentions of Panama-registered ships far exceeded historical norms, with Lloyd's List Intelligence report saying last week that the number had reached nearly 70 since March 8.

(Reporting by Katharine Jackson and Michael Martina; Editing by Doina Chiacu and Mark Porter)